PATROL
BACKGROUNDWhangarei Heads Volunteer Surf Life Saving
Patrol was established in 1987 by locals concerned at the dangerous
nature of Ocean Beach. They originally patrolled from the lookout
carpark, and worked out of a tin shed near the current lookout which
stored their rescue equipment, travelling to and from the beach
each patrolling day. 1988 saw the patrol have a Keith Hay relocatable
building sited at the lookout. Moves were made in the next few years
to relocate to the current site above the car park at the end of
Ranui Road. This was not without hurdles, as the public and community
objected resulting in a lengthy consent process. Consent was finally
given and the move was made. This building has now served it's purpose
and the patrol which has gone from strength to strength over the
last 5 years, now finds the present building inadequate for it's
current and future needs. Plans are underway for a new building
for the 2005-2006 season.

THE
PATROL TODAYCurrent
membership at Ocean Beach stands at 35, with JuniorSurf at around
another 20. Patrol structure is totally flat, the President and
the committee, are doing rescues alongside the young guards. Age
is no barrier, teens to 50 year olds do the yards, the patrolling,
the preventatives and the rescues.

THE
PATROLLING SEASONStarts
Oct 25 and runs 6 months over summer to April. The busy time is
the Christmas holiday period which is full on with the crowds hitting
the beach for R and R. The Patrolling procedure at OB is in line
with SLSNZ procedure, which is pro-active, i.e. Risk management
from the carpark to the water, and then more. But
we are mindful we are there to advise, not to inform.
We run two patrols, weekend about with a core of (usually) 10 qualified
Lifeguards, plus the trainees, and non-swimming Patrol Support

SKILLS
BASED TRAINING
The Patrol at Ocean Beach has a wide and varied Surf Lifesaving
programme. Age is no barrier, we cater from 5 to ??. There are skills
availiable for all - surf swimming, tube rescue training, radio
operation, how to read rips, (and play in them!), First Aid training,
inflatable rescue boat skills (driving and crewing), paddle boards
and surf ski skills among many. Want to be part of a succesfull,
and fun, volunteer organisation? - keeping the beach going public
safe, while being able to enjoy the beach? Friendship, team spirit,
skills training and community involvement are great ways to build
an impressive CV. Develop leadership skills, there are training
courses especially designed to enhance this. We encourage involvement
in Surf and non -surf competition, many of our guards are active
sports people at local, regional and international level. There
are also opportunities to work as paid Guards over summer. Surf
Lifesaving qualifications are NZQA accredited and accepted world
wide.